While most mock drafts are based off of what analysts hear around the league or believe in their hearts would be the right move for each team, there aren’t a whole lot of analytics-based mocks hitting the streets.
However, Cynthia Frelund of NFL.com released her analytics-based mock draft and it had the Colts taking former South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn with the No. 21 overall pick.
PFF shows that Horn allowed just eight catches on 24 targets for 116 yards in seven games in 2020.
The son of former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn, Jaycee is entering the league as a potential first-round pick. He has the required size and length to work on the boundary while holding the mentality necessary for the Colts defense.
Getting the stamp of approval in Zach Hicks’ Build-A-Ballard series at Stampede Blue, here’s what Hicks had to say about the former Gamecock:
A bit more on the higher end of the class, every time I watch Jaycee Horn, I think of a Chris Ballard cornerback. He may not have been a Senior Bowl guy but he hits every other metric. He possesses solid size and strength as he is a very willing participant in the run game. He is sticky in man coverage and has excellent instincts when the ball is in the air. He may be a bit grabby (I know you all hate that) but there are traits there that can make a top-tier corner in this league. Plus, he has that dog mentality where he is always competing and in the face of receivers. He is my CB1 in this class and fits what the Colts want to do perfectly.
Taking a cornerback at No. 21 may not be in the cards for Ballard, but stranger things have happened. They do have the need at the position. It all comes down to where he winds up on their board.
The mock drafts are typically sending a tackle or an edge rusher to the Colts, but the analytics say Indy should look at the secondary.
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